The Truth About Transformation

Transformation is a process and a journey, not a destination. You will not wake up one day and be “transformed.”  Though some people, teachers or speakers may make it look like eternal and ultimate bliss, keep in mind that you’re not seeing behind the scenes. It takes real effort, reflection and passion (drive and motivation!) to expand into a higher version of yourself… and to not fall back into old patterns. It’s a cycle, just like the wheel of life. You will have good days, bad days, slip ups, successes and everything in between. This doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. Quite the contrary! You are beautiful and perfect just as you are, where you are!

Here are a few tips (truths) to use to help guide you – and comfort you – on your journey of transformation:

• No one is “cured.”  Transformation is not finite. It is dynamic and infinite. If you feel you have a long way to go, do not be discouraged – that’s a great thing! It means you have that much more of an adventure to enjoy!  We continue to evolve each and every day.  If you observe someone that appears to be blissfully happy, exuding peace and radiance, that does not mean they have reached the “end” place. There is no end. Who you are today will transform to a new you tomorrow. Your likes, dislikes, beliefs and opinions will change over time as you gain new life experiences to process them through. Since transformation is so flexible, you can continue to stretch beyond your current comfort zones into new and exciting realms whenever you choose!

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  Everyone has their own journey in its own timing. Remember, a book cannot be judged by its cover and appearances can be quite elusive. Comparing yourself to others is an impossible measure of transformation. You are not seeing inside the book, behind closed doors. What appears to be a perfectly happy and enlightened person also has plenty of difficult days and slip-ups. Journeys are about progressing from one place to another. They are about exploration.  In this case, transformation is about self exploration and celebration! Every one is unique and so is their process of transformation. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that you do not need to force change to happen.  It is unfolding all in divine and perfect order before you. All you need to do is show up with a good attitude and allow it to happen. Participate, not  pressure. Transformation is a positive experience; give yourself permission to relax and cherish the ride.

• You may feel defeated and hopeless, again.  There will be some days that you feel hopeless, like you never really transformed at all. You may feel like a fraud, or foolish for believing as you did in enlightenment and happiness. This happens to even the most “transformed” people, and is totally normal. A tip to stop yourself from slipping into doubt and surrender back to your old ways is to notice those self-limiting beliefs and fears that crop up on these dark days. Accept them and acknowledge them, then let them go.  Let the negative voice move through you, freeing up space for the good to come back in. Remember the yin and the yang? The Wheel of life? What goes up must come down? If you have a particularly difficult or dark day, rest assured a great day is on its way. As Leonard Cohen says, “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Cracks happen! You’ll be back to shining your brilliant light in no time.

If everything in life were handed to us with little to no effort, would the reward still be as sweet? The beauty in life – and in achievement – comes from the yin and the yang. Embrace your journey to transformation. Celebrate the steps that you take, the awareness and knowledge that you gain along the way. Hey, why not even celebrate the challenges, too? The difficult times are our greatest teachers. They give us the opportunity to look within ourselves and find what isn’t working for us or serving us any longer.  They bring to light our deepest fears and self-limiting beliefs. Once we are aware of something within us, we have the chance to let it go and to move forward.

Your adventure to transformation begins with one baby step at a time, and will continue throughout your life. Your struggles and experiences are what make your greatest story and contribution to the Universe. Those dark days are what make you rich in character and abundant in strength. They are what make you relatable to some and an inspiration to others. And the good days? They’ll fuel your passion-fire like no other.  They will uplift you to a realm of endless possibility and creativity of expression. Transformation sure is the greatest adventure you will ever embark on…an adventure that lasts forever.